Predators point toward playoffs with trade for veteran center

Any question about how aggressive the Nashville Predators might be in advance of the National Hockey League’s trade deadline were answered Thursday when they dealt their first-round pick in this year’s draft and a conditional pick in 2012 to acquire veteran center Mike Fisher from the Ottawa Senators.

“We were seeking a top-six forward and Mike Fisher was the player we set our sights on,” General Manager David Poile said. “He plays playoff-style hockey all season long. He plays on the power play, kills penalties, is strong on draws and can match up against any opposing line.”

The conditional pick is Nashville’s third-round selection if the Predators win one round in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and turns into a second-rounder in 2012 if the team wins two-or-more rounds. The NHL trade deadline is Feb 28, which leaves time to make more moves.

Fisher has 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists) in 55 games this season for Ottawa, which had the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference at the start of the day.

The 30-year-old has played 675 NHL games, all with the Senators, since he was drafted in the second round (44th overall) in 1998.

Well-known as the husband of country music superstar Carrie Underwood, he will make his Predators debut Saturday against Colorado (7 p.m., Bridgestone Arena).

3 Comments on this post:

He isn't the top 6 player I was hoping for, and considering his spouse, this was bound to happen, but he can only improve this team.

Now if we could get rid of Erat and Dumont for some offense too...

By:gid on 2/10/11 at 2:26

Erat is a scorer and we need him. Dumont is on the 4th line but does need to step up his game. I am exited about this trade, I was hoping we would get Fisher

By:SENZFAN12 on 2/10/11 at 2:48

Hello Pred Fans:
Congratulations on getting Mike Fisher. You've got yourself one great hockey player and a great man. He did alot for our community in Ottawa and is loved by all who live here. He was a fan favorite and he will definately help your team. Our hearts were broken when we saw that he was traded but we're very glad that he ended up in Nashville for his career and also to be reunited with his wife, Carrie. We will always consider her a part of Ottawa. . Best of luck in the playoffs! Mike, we will dearly miss you. Thanks for everything.
Annie / Ottawa